Arabella's eyeswidened in shock. "Married? But... I thought he was looking for a husband for ye."
"Aye, so did I,"Sophie said bitterly. "But it seems he's decided to take on the role himself. For the good of the clan, of course."
Arabella sat beside her,taking Sophie's hand in her own. "Oh, Sophie. I'm so sorry. I ken this isnae what ye wanted."
Sophie laughed,a harsh, mirthless sound. "Wanted? Nay, it's about as far from what I wanted as possible. I thought..." she trailed off, shaking her head.
"Ye thought what?"Arabella prompted gently.
"I thought he cared for me,"Sophie admitted, fresh tears welling in her eyes. "That kiss we shared... I thought it meant somethin'. But now I see I was just a fool."
Arabella squeezed her hand."Ye're not a fool, Sophie. Me brother... he's nae always good at showin' his feelings..."
Sophie shook her head vehemently."Nay, ye didn't see him, Arabella. He was so cold, so distant. He made it clear that this marriage is nothin' more than a business arrangement. A way to secure the clan's future and keep me safe from me brother."
"And is that not important?"Arabella asked carefully.
"Of course it is,"Sophie sighed. "But is it too much to ask for a marriage based on more than just duty and protection? Daenae I deserve love, affection... happiness?"
Arabella wassilent for a long moment, her brow furrowed in thought. "Perhaps," she said slowly, "ye could try to find those things within the marriage. Ken may be stubborn and pig-headed, but he's not unfeelin'. Maybe, with time..."
"Nay,"Sophie interrupted, her voice firm. "I'll nae spend me life trying to win the affection of a man who sees me as nothin' more than a political pawn. If Kenneth wants a wife in name only, that's exactly what he'll get."
Arabella lookedat her with sympathy. "What will ye do?"
Sophie stood,smoothing down her skirts with trembling hands. "I'll be the perfect lady, the model wife. I'll fulfill me duties to the clan and to me husband. But me heart... that, I'll keep for meself."
As she spoke the words,Sophie felt a strange sense of calm settle over her. She had spent so much of her life beingcontrolled by others - her brother, her circumstances. But this, at least, was something she could control. Her feelings, her heart, were her own.
"Sophie,"Arabella said softly, "I ken me brother. He may not show it, but I believe he does care for ye. Daenae close yerself off entirely."
Sophie turnedto look at her friend, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I appreciate yer kindness, Arabella. But I've made me decision. This marriage may be inevitable, but I'll nae let it break me."
As Arabella left,promising to return later to help with wedding preparations, Sophie walked to the window. The sun had set, leaving the world outside bathed in the soft glow of twilight. In just a few short days, she would be Lady MacAdams, wife to the laird of the clan.
The next morning,Sophie awoke with a sense of grim determination. She had spent much of the night tossing and turning, her mind replaying Kenneth's cold words over and over again. But now, in the harsh light of day, she knew she had to face her new reality head-on.
As she dressedfor the day, choosing a simple but elegant gown, Sophie steeled herself for the confrontation she knew was coming. She couldn't let Kenneth's decision go unchallenged, couldn't meekly accept her fate without at least trying to understand his reasoning.
With her head held high,Sophie made her way to Kenneth's study. She knew he would be there - he always seemed to be working these days, buried in ledgers and correspondence. As she approached the heavy oak door, she took a deep breath, gathering her courage.
She knocked firmly,her heart pounding in her chest.
"Enter,"came Kenneth's gruff voice from within.
Sophie pushed open the door,her eyes immediately finding Kenneth behind his massive desk. He looked up, surprise flickering across his face before it settled back into its usual stern mask.
"Sophie,"he said, his voice carefully neutral. "What can I do for ye?"
"We need to talk,"Sophie said, proud of how steady her voice sounded. "About this... arrangement ye've decided upon."
Kenneth leanedback in his chair, his eyes never leaving her face. "I believe I made meself clear yesterday. The decision has been made."
"Aye, ye made yerself very clear,"Sophie replied, a hint of bitterness creeping into her tone. "But I think I deserve to understand why. Why me, Kenneth? Why nae make an alliance through marriage with another clan?"
For a long moment,Kenneth was silent, his gaze piercing as he studied her. Finally, he sighed, gesturing for her to take a seat.
"It's nae that simple, Sophie,"he said as she sat across from him. "Our clan is in a precarious position. The threat from yer brother looms over us, and the other clans are watchin', waitin' to see how we handle it."
